Bit of a lull at moment. Waiting for things to happen. Some people are going skiing, and so should I, except I can't. It's so unfair.

First session on angina management went well, even though only seven turned up. Good discussion but will it make a difference?

Brian rang. He's moving in on Wednesday next week. I wonder what it'll be like having a proper paying lodger. I learnt that you can claim for various things against tax when you have a lodger, including Sky TV subscription and furniture.

Snowed in but not snowed under

I have never seen as much snow in Manchester in all the 30 years I've lived here. The buses have stopped running and every thing is very quiet.

Then I got a text from Brian. Brian would like to have a look at the room I've advertised for rent. I give him a call.

Seems like a nice boy on the phone. He's been signed up for Northwich Victoria and needs to move in somewhere ASAP. He's going to stay with his grandmother in Wrexham until he finds somewhere. His friend Tim lives in Chorlton and will drive him round.

I think he likes the room, especially the Sky TV and sports channels. He plays central midfield - my position, so I'll be able to give him some advice. Anyway he's going to view another couple of places and will get back to me. I think he's sold on it though. We'll see.

Meanwhile I need to focus on 1. the cardiology teaching I'm giving, 2. a paper on cardiology for a journal, 3. the new chest pain pathway and other cardiology symptom pathways, 4. which houses to view in Tuscany, 5. it the appraisal season also. It's all go, but I'm enjoying it

Brian text. He liked the room and could he phone tomorrow again, if the room is still available. I told him we would like to have him stay with us and to phone to finalise details. Now all I have to do is move rooms. I was going to have to down size anyway if I'm to afford the Tuscany dream, so effectively I'm occupying the ground and first floors, and renting out the top two room. Well, all taken into account, a pretty good deal.

The first Monday of 2010

Got the bus into work today. The first of the year, and time to get back into a routine. It took an hour to get through the ice and traffic. Then a lunch time I went into Chorlton for lunch. I slipped on the ice and now have a painful wrist and sore hip.

I was more anxious than I thought I'd be, going into work. I wasn't even seeing patients.

Tim's Birthday

Well how many times can you be 35 again? I'm not sure what today holds but we shall see. Just been to church and that's helped a bit. They were all very welcoming and asking about how I'd got on in Australia. They are a sweet lot. Some people, without knowing the congregation, have made assumptions about them, notable the Vicar of Old Trafford and men's group friend of mine. The assumptions are based on his knowledge of the former rector and the fact that Emmanuel is in Didsbury. He is wrong to make those assumptions. I do feel at home there and can genuinely say I've missed the services and 'fellowship', as they say in these circles. However, I shall continue to attend the morning service from now on, rather than the evening.

On this day Leeds United beat Manchester United in the third round of the FA cup. What more coult possibly go wrong?

Time to get serious

The New Year has started with a bang, well with a couple of issues coming to a head. The main one was that Avril convened a meeting of the partners. We had a free and robust exchange of views and came to a consensus about the way forward. It is going to need someone to mediate. So you can read between the lines I'm sure, but we're all determined to make it work, at least that's what we said.

Word is out that I'm seeing Heidi, albeit only just. The cat is out of the bag. Feathers have been ruffled but so far the fur isn't flying. Sleeping dogs have been woken, and the bear with the sore ear is on the prowl.

Welcome to 2010

New Years Day 2010

Dr Who is on, a back episode which, surprisingly I hadn't seen before. The one with Peter Kay in as an absorberthrong or something. I love Dr Who.

I don't know what's happened to the last couple of days. I feel as if I've been in a time warp myself. We had a New Years Eve party of course. At my house , of course, and it was all a bit mad really. The last couple of years has been pretty low key. It's always too loud, too noisy, too boozy, and too difficult to get home, so I've usually preferred an early night. This year is different. I'm single again, well briefly. Now I'm still feeling a little delicate. I was going to a dinner party with Heidi and Nick and others, but I just don't feel up to it. I'm having a vegetating day... I can't believe it, now I'm actually watching Eastenders.

So who was there at the party? Tim and Jen of course. It was going to be at theirs but I suggested having it at mine. No idea why. Their niece, Rebbecca, and her boyfriend. Jamie and girlfriend. Heidi, Nick and his new lady, Jo. Gary was there for a while, then disappeared. PK came, but Janey was working. Brian, Mike, and lots of beer and wine. I made a special rum punch, not for the drivers. Actually there weren't any drivers. I think a good time was had by all. Afterwards, at about 2am a taxi came for some, and the rest walked home. I suppose they all got back all right.

Ade and Sue phoned, just now. I love them both, and they love each other very much, a great couple. As they read my blog, I better not say any more, but I'm so proud of them both. I wish them both a fabulous new year and life together.

New year resolutions. Alcohol only twice a week. Cycle into work. Get back to 83Kg. Buy a house in Tuscany. Progress the Cardiology tier 2 work. All nearly smart intentions.

There's a new Dr Who for this new year. His eleventh incarnation has been introduced to us in today's episode. Time for a new incarnation of Dr Ivan. This one wont be able to drive or join in the football and skiing, a little older and will be a little less trusting in the work arena. One who is winding down to retirement.